Back to Our Roots!
Youth Exchange in Estonia
Organized by: Seiklejate Vennaskond
Dates of activities: from 5th to 16th October 2018
Description:
Youth exchange brings together 30 young people aged 18-26 of Estonian origin; 20 living abroad and 10 from Estonia. The main aim of the youth exchange is to introduce the Estonian culture and language to participants.

The programme includes:

introducing the Estonian history and cultural heritage to young Estonians living abroad;
sharing Estonian success stories, good practices and planned future developments;
teaching participants the Estonian language in the non-formal learning environment;
providing information about work and study opportunities in Estonia;
introducing Estonian governance system;
creating the network for young people of Estonian origin that might support repatriation .

The programme consists of various activities organized in different parts of Estonia. The participants will have a chance to visit cultural and historic places in Tallinn. The programme includes visits to successful Estonian companies to learn about their innovative practices. The participants will get information about work and study opportunities in Estonia and build network for the future. A field trip to Soomaa National Park - one of the most beautiful national parks in the Baltics - will be organized. Participants will hike in the wetlands and try out Estonian sauna traditions. In the second part of the programme, the participants travel to Põlvamaa to experience authentic Estonian culture and heritage. They will learn Estonian national dances and discover nature while canoeing in Taevaskoja. After that the programme continues in the city of good thoughts – Tartu – to explore the Estonian National Museum and learn about study opportunities in the University of Tartu and experience the positive vibe of student life by taking a walk through the streets of the city. The programme ends in Tallinn, with more visits to examine good practices of private and public sector of Estonia. During the whole exchange programme the participants will have a chance to learn and practice Estonian in the non-formal learning environment.

The youth exchange programme is organized by youth organization Seiklejate Vennaskond, coordinated by Estonian Youth Work Centre and financed by the Compatriots Programme of the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research.

Profile of participants (coming from abroad):

Age 18-26;
Estonian roots, but living abroad for at least 10 years;
Motivation to learn and practise Estonian;
Willingness to participate in whole programme of youth exchange.

Costs related to participation:

If selected, all costs within Estonia are covered 100 %, including accommodation, food, local transport, visits and excursions. Travel costs will be reimbursed after the exchange up to 300€ based on actual costs. There could be exceptions of increasing/decreasing the limit depending on the overall travel budget and the distance of individual journey. For instance, as travel costs from neighbouring countries are under the limit and from more distant countries over the limit, it will be balanced to be fair to everyone. Visa (if needed) is the responsibility of each participant, but organizers can provide assistance in getting the travel documents. Travel insurance is obligatory and be obtained by the participant. This cost will not be reimbursed.

Additional information and questions:

rahvuskaaslased@gmail.com – all questions are welcome!
Application deadline is 4th August 2018.
Application form and additional information: http://www.seiklejad.org/rahvu...

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